Chapter Text
Nicky loved the smell of Christmas cakes because to him it was a sure sign that Christmas was getting closer, and his Uncle Dino baked the best Christmas cakes in town.
Edna: "Hi, Nicky. How are you doing? And are you ready for Christmas?"
Edna worked at Uncle Dino's bakery and café. Edna had a dog, Nicky, who was allowed to play with or take for a long walk whenever he wanted.
Nicky: "Hi, Edna. I'm fine, and I'm almost ready for Christmas. What about you? Are you ready for Christmas?"
Edna: "Still need to buy a Christmas gift or two. Listen, your Uncle Dino told me you wanted to speak with him, but could you wait five minutes?"
Nicky: "Sure. I got a book with me."
Nicky sat down at one of the tables and found his book. Seconds later, Edna placed a mug of hot chocolate and a gingerbread man in front of Nicky.
Nicky: "That's very kind of you, but I didn't order that."
Edna: "My round. You can buy the next."
Nicky: "Thank you, Edna."
Edna returned to work, while Nicky read his book. Just when he had finished the hot chocolate, Uncle Dino joined Nicky at the table.
Uncle Dino: "Hi, Kiddo. How is my favourite nephew doing?"
Nicky: "I'm fine, and I'm your only nephew, unless there is one you haven't told me about."
Uncle Dino laughed.
Uncle Dino: "You're my only nephew, Nicky."
Nicky: "Okay. Is it okay if I finish this chapter before I tell you why I'm here?"
Uncle Dino: "Yeah, go ahead. And while you read, I'll find something to eat."
When Uncle Dino returned to the table, it was with a salad.
Uncle Dino: "Before you ask about the salad, I need to eat something other than just the baked goods here, or else there could be a chance I'll roll down the streets the next time there is a storm."
Nicky: "I know what you mean. Yesterday, after eating at Aunt Annie's the day before, I also needed to eat a salad. My tummy was grateful for it."
Uncle Dino: "I knew you would understand. So, what was it you wanted to talk with me about?"
Nicky reached into his backpack and found his wallet, plus a stack of photos and a piece of paper.
Nicky: "I'm here as a customer because I want to order a special Christmas cake."
Uncle Dino: "In that case, you'd better step into my office. It's there I conduct all my business."
Nicky followed Uncle Dino into his office, which was filled with stacks of papers and cookbooks on every possible surface.
Uncle Dino: "I know, Edna. I need to clean my office one day, but I can find what I need when I need it."
Edna: "I didn't say anything. All I'm doing is bringing hot chocolate to your latest customer."
Edna placed the mugs on the desk.
Uncle Dino: "That's very kind of you. And what did you bring me?"
Edna: "Tea. You sound like you're having a cold."
Uncle Dino: "Thank you."
Nicky didn't know why Edna and Uncle Dino smiled at each other the way they did.
Uncle Dino: "Now, Nicky. What can I help you with?"
Nicky placed the photos on Uncle Dino's desk.
Nicky: "These photos are from Christmas last year and show Joe with his family. He said it was a fun night."
Nicky then took the paper.
Nicky: "But this year, Joe's family can't go home to see the rest of their family because his little sister is still ill."
Joe's little sister Sophia was fighting leukaemia, something Uncle Dino and Edna knew all about.
Nicky: "That's why I want to know if you can bake this cake for Joe's family?"
Nicky pointed at a cake in one of the photos.
Nicky: "Thanks to Joe, I have the name of the cake and what it contains. He says he is sorry that he couldn't be here today, but his Dad is taking him to see a football match."
Uncle Dino: "Can I see the paper?"
Nicky: "Of course."
Nicky handed the paper to Uncle Dino.
Nicky: "I hope that if you can help me, and I also hope I have enough money with me, or else I promise to work here until I have paid my debt."
Uncle Dino: "Keep your money, Nicky. And I'll help you."
Uncle Dino looked at Edna.
Uncle Dino: "If I bake ten of these 'Sinterklaas Taart', we could try to see if people will buy them."
Edna: "Once in a while, you do get a good idea, Bernardino, but remember to give Nicky one of them."
Uncle Dino: "I promise."
Edna left the office.
Nicky: "Why did Edna call you by your full name, Uncle Dino?"
Uncle Dino: "Oh, you know when your Mama calls you Nicoló as a way to get your attention?"
Nicky nodded.
Uncle Dino: "It's the same thing Edna is doing."
Nicky: "Okay, I think I understand."
Uncle Dino: "Good. I need a few more details about the cake you want to order. Do you want to help do some research?"
Nicky: "Of course.
Within an hour, Uncle Dino and Nicky had come up with a plan for a Sinterklaas Taart for Joe and his family.